Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 22, 2020
First Reading: Ezekiel 43.1-7a
1Then the man brought me to the gate facing east,2and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory.3The vision I saw was like the vision I had seen when he came to destroy the city and like the visions I had seen by the Kebar River, and I fell facedown.4The glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east.5Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.6While the man was standing beside me, I heard someone speaking to me from inside the temple.7He said: "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The house of Israel will never again defile my holy name-neither they nor their kings-by their prostitution and the lifeless idols of their kings at their high places.
Psalm 85
1You showed favor to your land, O LORD; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.2You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. Selah3You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.4Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.5Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?6Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?7Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.8I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints- but let them not return to folly.9Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.10Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.11Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.12The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.13Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Gospel: Matthew 23.1-12
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.11The greatest among you will be your servant.12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that invite us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the nature of true leadership. Ezekiel's vision in Ezekiel 43:1-7a depicts the return of God's glory to the temple, a symbol of divine presence and restoration. This vision emphasizes God's desire to dwell among His people, calling them to live in holiness and avoid defiling His name. The context of this passage is one of hope and renewal, offering a glimpse into a future where God's presence is once again central to His people's lives.
In the Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He distinguishes between their teachings, which should be followed, and their actions, which often prioritize appearance over true faith. Jesus condemns their love for recognition and titles, urging His followers to embrace humility. The context here is a call to authentic leadership, where service and humility are valued over status and power.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on authenticity and humility. Ezekiel's vision calls for a genuine return to God, while Jesus' teachings warn against superficial faith. Together, they remind us that true faith is not about outward appearances but about living with integrity and serving others humbly.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to examine our own practices. Are we focused on outward signs of faith, or are we cultivating a deep, authentic relationship with God? Do we seek recognition, or do we serve others with humility? The moral lesson here is clear: genuine faith and humble service are the hallmarks of a life that reflects God's presence. As we strive to live with integrity and humility, we embody the teachings of Ezekiel and Jesus, allowing God's glory to shine through us.